Handicap rail palm assist system and method

ABSTRACT

A handicap palm assist system includes a first shell, and a second shell, and at least one connector for removably attaching a first shell to the second shell. The first shell and the second shell are sized to fit a handrail, such as for disabled individuals. In some embodiments, the handicap palm assist system includes a handrail. The first shell and second shell are sized to removably attach to the handrail. In still another embodiment, a collar is formed integrally with the handrail. In other embodiments, a plurality of collars are formed integrally with the handrail.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part application which claims priority to U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 16/730,080, filed Dec. 30, 2019, which in turn claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/786,101 filed Dec. 18, 2018, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various embodiments described herein relate to a handicap rail palm assist system and a method.

BACKGROUND

Handicap rails are placed in various places. Handicap rails help a handicapped person or when that is in a weakened condition to stand. In some cases the handicap rail is used by a person to stabilize their position and prevent falls. Falls many times lead to other health problems. In other instances, the person is unable to get from a sitting position to a standing position using a cylindrical rail. Most of the rails include a knurled or slightly roughened surface to prevent a user's hand from slipping. However, if a user has a less than strong grip then that person's hand may still slip. In addition, when in a weakened state, the actual placement of the hand on a handrail becomes most critical. A stronger person can grip a handrail in a general spot to get an upper body assist in moving from a sitting position to a standing position. When a person is weakened, they just do not have as much finger strength to pull themselves to the standing position. Generally, placement of the hand must be at just the right position and the hand can not slip for a weaker person to move from a sitting position to a standing position.

Many times, a major portion of the surface of the handicap rail is treated so that it can be more easily gripped or grasped. The surface of the handicap rail may be knurled in one instance. In another instance, the surface may be otherwise roughened to make it easier to hold a grip. In still other instances, a tape is applied to the major surface of the handicap rail. When a person is in a somewhat weakened state, it can be difficult or nearly impossible to maintain a grip on the handicap handrail even if it has been treated with a grip enhancing surface treatment, such as knurling or the like. When a user's grip is not maintained, it is difficult to get or maintain the needed leverage to use the handicap rail effectively. For example, a user might not be able to move from a sitting to a standing position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention includes a mechanism that locks onto a handrail at a selected position. The invention may be locked permanently to one position or can be adjustable from one position to another along a handrail. If adjustable, it grips the handrail sufficiently to allow the mechanism to stay in position. The invention is a collar or cuff that attaches to the cylindrical body of the handrail. The collar or cuff generally attaches to the roughened portion of the handicap rail. The collar or cuff attaches to the cylindrical body at a specific position along the handicap rail. If a user has difficulty in maintain his or her grip, the cuff or collar acts as a stop which limits the motion of the user's hand. The cuff or collar is placed at a position that provides optimum or nearly optimum leverage. The user's hand may slip, but is stopped by the cuff or collar so that the person can then place the appropriate forces on the handicap rail to go from a sitting to a standing position without slipping. The cuff or collar prevents the user's hand from slipping down the rail. The cuff or collar acts on the edge of one's hand and acts in the same direction as a fiction force to stop the hand at the necessary position. The user can apply the strength of his or her fingers and his or her palm to the cuff or collar.

The cuff can be placed in a universal position in public applications, such as public restrooms, hospitals, grocery stores, department stores, doctor's offices, rehabilitation centers or the like. In a public place, most of the users will be able to use the cuff or collar to stop their hands so that they can apply the appropriate forces to the handrail to do their desired maneuver. Of course, when placed in a public application, many times the placement is less than optimal for many people. The placement is probably nearly optimal for some who are average. This may not work for a few and may require more energy than when the cuff or collar is optimally placed for most. In public settings where people of many sizes are using the handrail, it is contemplated that more than one collar can be placed on the handrail to accommodate the average smaller user, the average user, and the average taller or bigger user. Multiple collars can be added to accommodate many possible users.

The cuff or collar can also be used in private settings. For example, the cuff may be added to a handicap rail in a user's home or apartment. In this instance, the collar or cuff can be more accurately placed for a particular user so that the user can more easily move from a sitting portion to a standing position with greater ease. The collar might be placed closer to some users so that the hand slips to a stop position where the least amount of power is needed to do a desired maneuver. The most optimal position can vary based on the size of the person, their particular strengths and the like. Generally, the collar or cuff can be moved to different positions based on a scientific estimate for the optimum position. Ultimately, adjustments will have to be made to determine where a person can apply the most power while being the most comfortable. There may even be a tradeoff there between comfort and power. In some embodiments, the collar is moved around on a trial and error basis until the user finds a comfortable position where the user can place forces on the handicap rail to accomplish certain desired maneuvers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a palm assist system attached to a handicap rail, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a backside view of the palm assist system according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a front side view of the palm assist system according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a cut away view along cut line A-A in FIG. 2, of the palm assist system, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cuff of the palm assist system, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cuff of a handrail to which the palm assist system is attached, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a palm assist system that includes a plurality of cuffs or collars attached thereto, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a palm assist system where the cuffs or collars are formed integrally with the handrail, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a palm assist system where the cuffs or collars are formed integrally with the handrail, according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a palm assist system 100 attached to a handicap rail 200, according to an example embodiment. The handicap rail 200, in one embodiment, is sold with a palm assist system 100. The invention includes a mechanism that locks onto or attaches to a handrail 200 at any of a plurality of selected positions. The invention may be locked permanently to one position or can be adjustable from one position to another along a handrail. If adjustable, it grips the handrail sufficiently to allow the mechanism to stay in position. The invention is a collar or cuff 100 that attaches to the cylindrical body of the handrail 200. The collar or cuff 100 generally attaches to the roughened portion 210 of the handicap rail 200. The collar or cuff 100 can also be referred to as a palm assist system 100. The collar or cuff 100 attaches to the cylindrical body at a specific position along the handicap rail 200. Certain users can have difficulty in maintaining his or her grip on surfaces such as the surface of the handicap handrail 200. The cuff or collar acts as a stop which limits the motion of the user's hand. The cuff or collar 100 is placed at a position on the that provides optimum or nearly optimum leverage for the user. Even if the user's hand slips, it is stopped by the cuff or collar 100 so that the person's hand is still in a position where the user can place the appropriate forces on the handicap handrail 100 to go from a sitting to a standing position without slipping, for example. The cuff or collar 100 prevents the user's hand from continuing to slip along the handicap handrail 200. The cuff or collar 100 places a force on the edge of one's hand. The force produced by the cuff or collar 100 acts in the same direction as a fiction force to stop the hand at the necessary position. With the hand stopped at the correct position, the user can then place a force on the handrail which is transverse to the axis of the handrail. The hand, when properly positioned, can then be used to push on the bar so the user can execute various desired maneuvers.

One of the advantages of the handicap rail palm assist system 100 is that it is more safe to use, especially for a person with a weakened grip. The handicap rail palm assist system 100 essentially holds the patient's hand in place so that it does not slip as the user pushes off the rail or pulls on the rail, depending on the orientation of the rail 200. It prevents a user from slipping along the rail and dropping in an uncontrolled fashion. It also prevents falls which can be catastrophic for some users.

The cuff 100 or handicap palm assist 100 can be placed in a universal position in public applications on handicap rails, such as in public restrooms, hospitals, grocery stores, department stores, doctor's offices, rehabilitation centers or the like. In a public place, most of the users will be able to use the cuff or collar to stop their hands so that they can apply the appropriate forces to the handrail to do their desired maneuver. Of course, when placed in a public application, many times the placement is less than optimal for many people. The placement is probably nearly optimal for some who are average. This may not work for a few and may require more energy than when the cuff or collar 100 is optimally placed for most.

In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of cuffs 100 or handicap palm assists 100 can be positioned on a handicap handrail 200. FIG. 6 is a perspective view a handrail 200 to which a plurality of cuffs 100 or collars are attached as part of a palm assist system, according to an example embodiment.

The plurality of cuffs or handicap palm assists can be positioned on a single rail to accommodate more users of various sizes. For example, one handicap palm assist 100 could be placed for users that are smaller than the average user, and another handicap palm assists 100 could be placed on a handrail for users that are larger than the average user. Yet another handicap palm assists 100 could be placed on the same handrail for the average user. In this embodiment, a high percentage of users could use one of the plurality of handicap palm assists 100 attached to a handrail. Of course, the handicap palm assists 100 will not be optimally placed for all but most users will be able to help themselves even though not optimally.

The cuff or collar 100 can also be used in private settings. For example, the cuff 100 may be added to a handicap rail in a user's home or apartment. In this instance, the collar or cuff 100 can be more accurately placed for a particular user so that the user can more easily move from a sitting position to a standing position. The collar 100 might be placed closer to some users so that the hand slips to a stop position where the least amount of power is needed to do a desired maneuver. The most optimal position can vary based on the size of the person, their particular strengths and the like. Generally, the collar or cuff 100 can be moved to different positions based on a scientific estimate for the optimum position. Ultimately, adjustments will have to be made to determine where a person can apply the most power while being the most comfortable. The adjustments can also be made to a position where the user is able to deliver adequate power to do a maneuver. There may even be a tradeoff there between comfort and power. In some embodiments, the collar is moved around on a trial and error basis until the user finds a comfortable position where the user can place forces on the handicap rail to accomplish certain desired maneuvers.

FIG. 2 is a backside view of the palm assist system according to an example embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front side view of the palm assist system according to an example embodiment. FIG. 4 is cut away view along cut line A-A in FIG. 2, of the palm assist system, according to an example embodiment. Now referring to FIGS. 2-4, the parts of the handrail palm assist 100 will be further detailed. The palm assist system 100 includes a first shell 110 and a second shell 120. The first shell includes a first opening 111 and a second opening 112. The second shell includes a third opening 121 and a fourth opening 122. At least two of the openings 111, 112, 121, 122 are threaded to receive a threaded fastener, 131, 132. In some instances, the openings on one of the shells are threaded. In another embodiment, the one of the openings in one shell is threaded and one of the openings in the other shell is threaded. As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the openings 111, 112 pass through the shell 110. The openings 121, 122 terminate before passing through the shell 120. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-4, the openings 121 and 122 are threaded. In still another embodiment, all the openings 111, 112, 121, 122 are threaded.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cuff or collar 100 of the palm assist system, according to an example embodiment. In FIG. 5, the shells or cuff members are attached to one another. In FIG. 5 the shells or cuff members are not attached to a handicap rail 200. The handicap rail 200 is absent for the sake of clarity.

In one embodiment, the shells are symmetrically shaped. Each includes an attachment surface which is fit to a handrail 200. The handrails can have different diameters. Some may be smaller, such as 1.5 inches in diameter. Others may be bigger, such as 2.0 inches or even 2.5 inches in diameter. The outer surface of shell 110 includes a bulbous portion 114 and a rim 116, 117 near or at each of the ends of the first shell 110. Similarly, the outer surface of shell 120 includes a bulbous portion 124 and a rim 126, 127 near or at each of the ends of the first shell 110. It is contemplated that the outer surfaces of the shell 110 is made of a material which can be easily cleaned. For example, as shown, the outer surface of the shell is smooth to enhance to ability to clean and disinfect. The shells 110 are also made of a cleanable material, such as stainless steel.

The inner surfaces of each shell 110 and 120 is dimensioned so that it can attach to the surface of a hand rail 200. For example, if the handrail 200 has an outer diameter of 1.5 inches, the inner surface with be shaped and have a inner diameter that matches or is substantially the same. In addition, the inner surface may include a surface treatment that increases the coefficient of friction between the shell 110, 120 and the handrail 200. In some embodiments, the inner surface can have an elastomeric surface that compresses and grips the handrail 200. In other embodiments, the shells 110, 120 may have inner surfaces that have spray on enhancements. Fasteners connect the first shell 110 to the second shell 120. The fasteners are tightened to the point where the shells 110, 120 will not slip with respect to the handrail or slip with respect to one another. In this way, the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 form a collar or cuff 100 which will stop a person's hand when gripped. The openings 111, 112 align with the openings 121, 122 so that one fastener can go through the openings 111, 121 and another fastener can go through openings 112, 122. The fasteners are sized so as not to protrude from any of the openings 111, 112, 121, 122. Furthermore, the openings include a recess so that the heads of the fasteners will not protrude. This is a safety feature which prevents users from cutting themselves or otherwise injuring themselves on the fasteners. The fasteners may also be made of stainless steel.

As shown in FIG. 1, one of the collars, cuffs or handicap palm assists 100 is attached to a handrail 200. It is contemplated that there may be applications where two cuffs, collars or palm assists 100 are used (such as shown in FIG. 6). For example, there may be two users that have different leverage points which are so different that each needs a separate palm assist, cuff, or collar 110. It is further contemplated that two palm assists, cuffs or collars could be used to bracket the movement of a user's hand. In other words, two cuffs, palm assists, or collars can be used to prevent a user's hand from slipping along the handicap handrail.200 in either direction along the length of the handrail 200.

It is contemplated that the cuff or collar could be sized differently to fit different sized handrails. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the design could differ to fit various user's hands. The size could be sized to the hands of the user. Different dimensions could also be used for different sized handrails.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of handrail 200 to which the cuffs or collars 100 are attached, according to an example embodiment. The handrail 200 can be formed by rolling sheets of steel or stainless steel. A single cuff 100 or a a plurality of cuffs 100 or collars can be attached thereto, according to example embodiments set forth above. The handrail 200 typically includes a knurled surface which prevents slippage of the users hands along the length of the rail. Such a rail can be provided for new construction. It should be noted that in many facilities, these rails have been installed. In other words, the cuffs 100 or collars 100 can be installed and retrofitted to form a palm assist system.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a handrail 800 where the cuffs or collars 810 are formed integrally with the handrail 810, according to an example embodiment. In other words, rather than forming a handrail with a uniform cross section, such as the one shown in FIG. 7, the handrail 800 is rolled and the cuffs or collar 810 is rolled right into the rail 800. A set of dies can be used to form one cuff or collar 810. A plurality of sets of dies can be used to form a first collar or cuff 810 and a second collar or cuff 812. An advantage of this type of handrail is that the first collar or cuff 810 would not be movable along the length of the handrail 800. In other words, there would be no possibility that the cuff could work loose for example and present a risk to a user. The same advantage would be present if both a first cuff or collar 810 and a second cuff or collar 812 are formed in the handrail 800. The cuffs or collars 810, 812 would be fixed. This could also be considered a disadvantage since there would be no means for adjustment for different users. Of course another cuff or collar 100 could be added to the handrail 800 to provide some adjustability or customization for the needs of specific users. It is also contemplated that a handrail 800 which includes a single integral cuff or collar 810 could be produced and installed. A facility could carry several of the add on cuffs or collars 100 that could be attached to the handrail 800 to accommodate the needs of users as needed. For example, a room in a care facility might have different users such as when one patient leaves and another patient is admitted and checks into the same room. The new patient might find that the standard handrail 800 with one integral cuff or collar 810 is not comfortable or does not work as well for them. In this instance, another cuff or collar 100 (shown in FIGS. 1-6) could be added to accommodate the needs of a new patient.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a handrail 800 where the cuffs or collars 810, 812 are formed integrally with the handrail, according to an example embodiment. It should be noted that the cuffs or collars can be formed integrally with the handrail using any type of technique. In other words, a method other than rolling is contemplated.

In summary, a handicap palm assist system includes a first shell, a second shell, and at least one connector for removably attaching a first shell to the second shell. The handicap palm assist system also includes a handrail. The first shell and second shell sized to removably attach to the handrail. The first shell has a first concave portion having an inside diameter substantially equal to the outside diameter of the handrail. The second shell has a second concave portion having an inside diameter substantially equal to the outside diameter of the handrail. The first shell and the second shell place a force on the outside diameter of the handrail when connected to one another. When the two shells are loosely connected to one another, they can be moved along the handrail to adjust the position of the palm assist with respect to the handrail. Once in position, the two shell connectors can be tightened. This tightens the two shells with respect to one another and with respect to the handrails with sufficient force that the two shells do not move with respect to the handrail In one embodiment, the first shell and the second shell are symmetrical. In another embodiment, the concave portion of the first shell, and the concave portion of the second shell further include a friction material. The friction material increases the coefficient of friction between the shells and the handrail so less force is needed to connect the two shells to the handrail to prevent slippage. In one embodiment, the outer surface of at least one of the first shell and the outer surface of the second shell includes a surface treatment to enhance gripping of the shell. Of course, the surface treatment, in some embodiments, should be cleanable. In another embodiment, the first shell and the second shell are asymmetrical. In still another embodiment, one the first shell and the second shell includes a handle. In yet another embodiment, at least one of the first shell and the second shell includes a screw opening therein. The screw opening accepts a set screw which can be tightened so that one end of the set screw contacts the handrail.

A method for adding to the assistance provided by a handrail includes placing a first concave surface of a first shell portion onto a handrail, placing a second concave surface of a second shell portion onto a handrail, and connecting the first shell to the second shell to form a handicap palm assist unit so that the first shell and the second shell are substantially immovable with respect to the handrail. The method also can include adjusting the position of the first shell and second shell along the length of the handrail. The method also includes adjusting the attachment point and position of the first shell and second shell along the length of the handrail to provide additional leverage for a user when using the handrail. In some embodiments, more than one set of shells are attached to the handrail. In one embodiment, the first shell portion and the second shell portion are substantially symmetrical while in another embodiment, the first shell portion and the second shell portion are asymmetrical. In one embodiment of the method, the larger of the first shell portion and the second shell portion is placed on the handrail to provide additional leverage for a user. The larger of the first shell portion can be placed above the second shell portion on the handrail or can be placed below the second shell portion on the handrail.

This has been a detailed description of some exemplary embodiments of the invention(s) contained within the disclosed subject matter. Such invention(s) may be referred to, individually and/or collectively, herein by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept if more than one is in fact disclosed. The detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof and which shows by way of illustration, but not of limitation, some specific embodiments of the invention, including a preferred embodiment. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to understand and implement the inventive subject matter. Other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the inventive subject matter. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. 

What is claimed:
 1. A handicap palm assist system comprising: a first shell; a second shell; at least one connector for removably attaching a first shell to the second shell.
 2. The handicap palm assist system of claim 1 further comprising a handrail, the first shell and second shell sized to removably attach to the handrail.
 3. The handicap palm assist system of claim 1 further comprising a handrail, the first shell having a first concave portion having an inside diameter substantially equal to the outside diameter of the handrail, the second shell having a second concave portion having an inside diameter substantially equal to the outside diameter of the handrail, the first shell and the second shell placing a force on the outside diameter of the handrail when connected to one another, wherein the two shells can be moved along the handrail when loosely connected, and can be tightened to one another with sufficient force that the two shells do not move with respect to the handrail
 4. The handicap palm assist system of claim 1 where the first shell and the second shell are symmetrical.
 5. The handicap palm assist system of claim 3 wherein the concave portion of the first shell, and wherein the concave portion of the second shell further include a friction material.
 6. The handicap palm assist system of claim 3 wherein the outer surface of at least one of the first shell and the outer surface of the second shell includes a surface treatment to enhance gripping of the shell.
 7. The handicap palm assist system of claim 1 where the first shell and the second shell are asymmetrical.
 8. The handicap palm assist system of claim 7 wherein one the first shell and the second shell includes a handle.
 9. The handicap palm assist system of claim 3 wherein at least one of the first shell and the second shell includes a screw opening therein, the screw opening accepting a set screw which can be tightened so that one end of the set screw contacts the hand rail.
 10. A method for adding to the assistance provided by a handrail, the method comprising: placing a first concave surface of a first shell portion onto a handrail; placing a second concave surface of a second shell portion onto a handrail; and connecting the first shell to the second shell to form a handicap palm assist unit so that the first shell and the second shell are substantially immovable with respect to the handrail.
 11. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of adjusting the position of the first shell and second shell along the length of the handrail.
 12. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of adjusting the attachment point and position of the first shell and second shell along the length of the handrail to provide additional leverage for a user when using the handrail.
 13. The method of claim 10 wherein the first shell portion and the second shell portion are substantially symmetrical.
 14. The method of claim 10 wherein the first shell portion and the second shell portion are asymmetrical.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein the larger of the first shell portion and the second shell portion is placed on the handrail to provide additional leverage for a user.
 16. The method of claim 14 wherein the larger of the first shell portion is placed above the second shell portion on the handrail.
 17. The method of claim 14 wherein the larger of the first shell portion is placed below the second shell portion on the handrail.
 18. The handicap palm assist system of claim 3 further comprising a plurality of the first shells and a corresponding plurality of second shells sized to removably attach to the handrail.
 19. A handicap assist system comprising: a handrail for mounting to a structure; and at least one collar formed integrally with the handrail, the at least one collar positioned along the length of the handrail to provide a first leverage position.
 20. The handicap assist system of claim 19 further comprising a second collar that includes: a first shell; a second shell; at least one connector for removably attaching a first shell to the second shell, the first shell and the second shell, the first shell and the second shell attached to a smooth portion of the handrail to provide a second leverage position.
 21. The handicap assist system of claim 19 further comprising a second collar integrally formed with the handrail, the second collar positioned along the length of the handrail to provide a second leverage position. 